Can a Rotary Engine Efficiently Charge Batteries in Hybrid Vehicles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using a rotary engine, specifically a Wankel engine, as a battery charger for hybrid vehicles. The proposed design features a variable compression ratio and lacks a flywheel, aiming to optimize efficiency. Participants emphasize the importance of adhering to established engineering principles and understanding existing technologies, such as the Napier Deltic engine, rather than focusing on unproven inventions. The conversation highlights the distinction between innovative ideas and mainstream engineering practices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Wankel engine mechanics
  • Familiarity with variable compression ratio technology
  • Knowledge of hybrid vehicle power systems
  • Basic principles of internal combustion engines
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the efficiency of Wankel engines in hybrid applications
  • Explore variable compression ratio mechanisms in modern engines
  • Study the design and historical significance of the Napier Deltic engine
  • Investigate existing battery charging technologies for hybrid vehicles
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, automotive designers, and researchers interested in hybrid vehicle technology and rotary engine applications.

camerart
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Hi,
Have you ever tried to invent anything?
Long ago, as a school boy after learning about internal combusion engines, I 'invented' a rotary engine. (It had actually been invented in the 19th century) My dad said "If Fords can't do then you can't" So I stopped. Years later I learned about the Wankel engine, which was similar to what I had thought, and carried on trying. I didn't mention it to my dad again.

I went through lots of iterations, and tried to get any interest, but gave up some time ago, and put it out of my mind.
The last iteration, was for an IC engine battery charger for hybrid vehicles, which didn't drive the wheels, had no flywheel and could infinitely change the compression ratio.

Here is the idea (animation), which I stress is not in anyway a drawing, but just to illustrate how it would work. I hope you find it interesting.

KEY: Light blue incoming gas--dark blue compressed gas--red combustion--brown exhaust.
Cheers, Camerart.
 
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PROJECT5.gif
 
That is basically a 2-cylinder 2-stroke engine with the crankcase replaced by your "head pistons".

Two-Stroke_Engine.gif

You may need some valves, either on the intake or exhaust side of your "main pistons" to regulate the flow (similar to a supercharged 2-stroke as presented below).

main-qimg-2167856c2605cac95a992aecd72bbddc.gif
 
  • Informative
Likes berkeman
camerart said:
I hope you find it interesting.
I think you would find the Napier Deltic interesting.


It's kind of obsolete, but still: historical.
 
camerart said:
Have you ever tried to invent anything?
I think you misunderstand the mission of PF. We are here to discuss mainstream science and engineering as defined by textbooks and peer reviewed papers. We attempt to help members to understand. This is not the place to discuss new ideas or new inventions.

Member @phinds said it best.
phinds said:
Thinking outside the box only works well when you first understand what's IN the box.

Think of PF is the place to come to learn what is IN the box. Thinks like existing rotary engines.
 
  • Like
Likes Bystander and phinds
jack action said:
That is basically a 2-cylinder 2-stroke engine with the crankcase replaced by your "head pistons".


You may need some valves, either on the intake or exhaust side of your "main pistons" to regulate the flow (similar to a supercharged 2-stroke as presented below).

If you look a little closer you will see that this design has variable compression ratio, also there are valves on the intakes.
C
 
Rive said:
I think you would find the Napier Deltic interesting.


It's kind of obsolete, but still: historical.

Hi R,
I studied all kinds of engine, including the Deltic, which I remember being tested on the railway near me.
It has crankshafts plus lots of moving parts, where mine doesn't, which would make it obsolete.
C
 
anorlunda said:
I think you misunderstand the mission of PF. We are here to discuss mainstream science and engineering as defined by textbooks and peer reviewed papers. We attempt to help members to understand. This is not the place to discuss new ideas or new inventions.

Member @phinds said it best.Think of PF is the place to come to learn what is IN the box. Thinks like existing rotary engines.
Hi A,
This isn't a new invention, it's from my past, that I thought may be interesting, I hope I didn't offend you.
C
 

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